Forestry Matters

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1922, Page 4

Forestry Matters

CONSERVING TIMBER SUPPLIES. Several important matters relating to the timber supplies of tho Domiu- 1 ion wore brought under the notice of tho Prime Minister by a deputation from the Conference of the New Zealand Federated Timber Workers’ Association and Mr Massey recently replied to tho representations made to him. | Respecting tho granting of sawmill licenses, Mr Massey wrote:— ; “The policy of the State Forest Service with regard to sales of timber is still that which was laid down when the following statement was mndei by tho Hon Sir Francis Bell in January last year—viz. “Sales of timber in small quantities to be encouraged by all possible means. As far as is practicable, tho rate at which timber is to be sold should ensure a reasonable operating life for mills constructed. It is not dsired to sell timber in such a manner that any one mill have the monopoly, but the amount to be cut from year to year should be regulated so that established plants can be assured operations for reasonable periods.’ As evidence! of the consideration given to small operators, it may be stated thn twi thill the last few months 14 separate! sales, ranging from 30.000 to 549.000 feet have taken place. In connexion with these salts the deposit required has been from 5 per rent to 10 per cent, on the purchase price to suit tho small operator, and the balances have been payable by promissory notes extending over reasonable periods. Von tip 11 see. therefore, that every consideration' is given to small operators.’’ . , ... As to tho aggregation of sawmill areas, .Mr Massey admits that aggregation has occurred in respect of licenses hitherto granted under the Mining Act but states that with regard to forests administered by the State Forest Service “aggregaton of sawmill areas lias not been, and will not be, permitted. With regard to tho request that sawmill licenses should be cancelled in eases where work is stopped Mr Massey replied:— “I have to state that or- the ties.. Coast nearly all the sawmill Ihs.nses lnve Mk-uii grunted l».v the \\arqen under it be authority of the Mining Act 1008 nnd such licenses nre. subject only to til at Act and the regulations thereunder, except that Section 3 of the Forest Act. 1021-1022 imposes mi the Commissioner id' State forests t ie dll tv of seeing that the conditions ol grant are observed by the licenses. It would not be just to deprive licensees of the privileges tiny already legall. possess. Under the .Mining Regulations. temporary stoppage Um satistactorv reasons being given) is allowed, ami in the future the btnte l'ore-t Service, in exercise ol its po"Ci>. «■ s-e that the conditions of the giant an properly ohservrr.l. With respect to licenses which are granted by > State Forest Service. 1 may say that tho licens-iS period ranges from on two to live years, and ns a renUil of C per acre per annum is charged fo tl ■ b.nd there is no desire, on the pint >t the licensees to ask for permission to stop working